Honey Testing

At Hill Laboratories we have an extensive range of honey tests, using the latest technology and methods and backed by dedicated Client Services managers.

Important Announcement - Wednesday, 31 May 2017.

MPI have notified the honey industry that, following a number of submissions, they are investigating the DNA testing component of the Manuka 5 method. The result of this investigation may be a small change to the DNA testing method. MPI have recommended that testing laboratories put Manuka 5 testing on hold while they investigate this issue, which Hill Laboratories have done. All samples received from today (31 May 2017 will be put on hold, and we will be in touch to discuss options.

MPI have stated: “…if your honey was tested at an MPI - recognised laboratory and passed the chemistry but failed the DNA test, you may wish to have it re-tested for the DNA component. MPI will deal with this on a case by case basis.”

Hill Laboratories are an MPI - recognised laboratory.

We will update this page as we learn more.

Manuka 5 Test

Hill Laboratories are pleased to announce the launch of our new Manuka 5 Honey Test. This test is the new MPI science definition of mānuka honey, as announced 11 April 2017. This test is for MPI's proposed General Requirement for Export (GREX) for honey.

The definition uses 5 attributes (4 chemical markers and a DNA marker) that when present in honey at specified levels provide evidence that the honey is New Zealand Manuka Honey, either monofloral or multifloral, depending on the concentration of one of the chemical markers.

3-IN-1 Manuka Honey Suite - Turnaround time 2 days

A combination of three of our most popular manuka honey tests (MGO, DHA & HMF) all done as one analysis using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC).

Update May 2017: Hill Laboratories are pleased to announce the release of our Mānuka Honey Forecast model. This is available now and can be added free of charge to the 3in1 report.

Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) - Turnaround time 2 days

Methylglyoxal results are converted into Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA). NPA is an indicator of the activity in manuka honey. NPA can be requested with the 3-in-1 Manuka suite at no extra cost.

Leptosperin in Manuka Honey - Turnaround time 2 days

Leptosperin is a recently isolated natural product in Manuka(Leptospermum scoparium) Honey and has been proposed as a chemical marker.